AYSO Area 1C
(Approved 2/23/2017)
AYSO Area 1C Spring Cup Tournament Rules and Regulations 1.
Scope and Application of Rules – These AYSO Area 1C Rules and Regulations are for the Area 1C Spring Cup. The AYSO National Rules and Regulations and the AYSO Section 1 Rules and Regulations shall also apply to this program. The Tournament will be governed by the following rules of play and applied in the following order of precedence: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)
AYSO Area 1C Spring Cup Tournament Rules AYSO Area 1C Combined Program Rules AYSO Section 1 Rules and Regulations AYSO National Rules and Regulations FIFA Laws of the Game
Any discrepancy between or among such documents shall be subject to the interpretation and decision of the Area Director of Area 1C (the “Area Director”). The Area Director shall appoint an Area 1C Spring Cup program coordinator (the “Spring Cup Coordinator”). The “Kids Zone” program shall be in effect for all matches. 2.
Tournament Description – The Area 1C Spring Cup is a tournament style program for Under-10, Under-12, Under-14, Under-16, and Under-19 teams based on AYSO MY2016 ages. There will be three weekends of pool play and one weekend of finals. An additional weekend will be selected as a possible make-up, however re-scheduling of matches cancelled due to weather or field availability is at the discretion of the Area Director and the Spring Cup Coordinator.
3.
Pool Play – The tournament will form pools of 3, 4 or 5 teams in each division for each Pool Play weekend. Pools on the first Round will be formed by the Area Director and Spring Cup Coordinator. Pools for Round 2 and Round 3 will be formed based on a team’s standing in the most recent Pool Play Round and if needed, the teams overall standing. The goal is to have teams play other teams of similar skills in Pool Rounds 2 and 3, and in the Finals In the Under-10-Under-12 divisions, teams will play 3 or 4 matches each weekend. In Under-14, Under-16, and Under-19, teams will play 1 or 2 matches on each weekend The number of pools and number of teams in each pool is dependent on field availability and the number of teams that register for the tournament. The Spring Cup Coordinator or Area Director may alter pool size, number of matches and duration of play due to weather and/or field availability.
4.
Finals - The tournament will conclude with a round of finals. For the finals weekend, Pools will be formed for up to 4 tiers named as follows and consisting of 4 teams each. Each tier will award a champion.
Cup – the 4 top qualifying teams in that division Bowl – the second Tier of qualifying teams Plate – the third Tier of qualifying teams Shield – the fourth Tier of qualifying teams
The Spring Cup Coordinator will determine the number of finals tiers and number of teams in each tier. The finals will be single elimination, full length matches that must produce a winner. There will not be any consolation matches. Medals will be awarded to 1st and 2nd place teams in the Cup tier, and to the winner of the Bowl, Plate and Shield tiers.
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5.
Region Program Coordinators – Each Regional Commissioner shall appoint a Region Program Coordinator (the “Region Coordinator”) who shall coordinate the respective Spring Cup participation within that Region and act as liaison between the Region and the Spring Cup Coordinator. Additional duties are given below in these rules.
6.
Coach Eligibility – Each Regional Commissioner of any region participating in the Spring Cup shall be responsible for ensuring that all participating coaches and assistant coaches of all teams from that Region have submitted current volunteer applications to the AYSO National office, have completed AYSO Safe Haven® certification, have completed Concussion Awareness Training, and have completed the AYSO age–appropriate training for the team level they will coach. Exceptions to the following certification levels require the approval of the Area Director and Spring Cup Coordinator. (1) Under-10 Teams – U10 Coach Certification is required for Under-10 coaches (2) Under-12 Teams – U12 Coach Certification is required for Under-12 coaches (3) Under-14 Teams – Intermediate Coach Certification or higher is required for Under-14 coaches (4) Under-16 Teams – Advanced Coach certification or higher is required for Under-16 coaches (5) Under 19 Teams – Advanced Coach certification or higher is required for Under-19 coaches
7.
Mandatory Coach Meeting – Prior to the start of the Spring Cup season, the Spring Cup Coordinator shall conduct a mandatory Coaches Meeting (the “Mandatory Coaches Meeting”). The coach or assistant coach from each team participating in that Spring Cup must be present at such meeting. Attendance at the Mandatory Coaches Meeting cannot be delegated to an individual who is not a coach or assistant coach without the express approval of the Spring Cup Coordinator or the Area Director. Any team which does not send a coach, assistant coach or other approved representative to the Mandatory Coaches Meeting will receive a 1 point deduction applied to the standings results of the third round of Pool Play.
8.
Player Eligibility a) RC Responsibilities - Each Regional Commissioner is responsible for ensuring the eligibility of each player from his/her Region on each Spring Cup team. Each Regional Commissioner is responsible for ensuring that all players on his/her Region’s teams are properly registered with AYSO before they participate in any practice, team event or Spring Cup Matches. At the request of the Area Director, a player must produce a birth certificate or other proof of age acceptable to the Area Director to verify age eligibility for a given team. b) Definition – An “eligible” player for purposes of these Rules is any player who meets all of the following requirements. An “ineligible player” is any player who does not meet the definition of an “eligible player” for any given match. (1) is properly registered with AYSO (2) is listed on the most current team roster on file with the Area (3) is not currently suspended from playing due to disciplinary action as a result of a sendoff, accumulation of yellow cards or other sanctions imposed by the Area or these Rules (4) has a laminated player ID card at the match at team check in (5) In Under-14, Under-16 and Under-19 divisions, has signed a Player Agreement c) Player Agreement for U-14/U-16/U-19 Players – Each player participating in the Spring Cup on an Under-14, Under-16, or Under-19 team shall sign a Player Agreement, in the form provided on the Area website (ayso1c.org) as a condition of their eligibility to play. Completion 2 of 13
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of the Player Agreement evidences that the player understands these Rules and will play in a safe, fair and fun manner consistent with AYSO philosophies. The coach of each Under-14, Under-16, or Under-19 team shall maintain copies of the Player Agreements from players on his/her team and shall provide copies to the Area Director or Spring Cup Coordinator upon request. d) Eligibility for Play, Registration Cutoff Date –No player shall be eligible to play on any Spring Cup team if that player was not registered prior to the Wednesday before the first match. e) Forfeit of Matches Played with Ineligible Players – a team shall forfeit any match in which an ineligible player has participated or attempted to participate, and such team, ineligible player, and/or team coach may be subject to additional sanctions imposed by the Area Director as may be deemed appropriate under the circumstances. 9.
Team Formation – Teams must be rostered in an Area 1C Region and approved to participate by their Regional Commissioner. The tournament is “open” for AYSO Area 1C teams (Extra, All-Star, Tournament and Fall Core programs' teams may participate). Each team’s Regional authorization to participate is granted by submitting a signed Team Roster. There are no younger/older team formation requirements, but Regional Commissioners are allowed to set Regional participation requirements for teams from their Region, provided these do not waive any Tournament Rules or Area 1C Rules or Regulations. Only the Area Director may invite teams from outside Area 1C to participate. Regions are discouraged from having players play up in an older division. The goal of the tournament is to provide an opportunity for players to play in competitive matches. A Region Coordinator must request approval allow a player to play up a division. In the event of a request, approval is required by the Area Director or Spring Cup Coordinator. A team must provide Team Referees in accordance with Section 20(b) of these Rules, and teams that do not provide Team Referees meeting these requirements will not be eligible to participate.
10. Team Rosters – A Team Roster, in the form of an eAYSO Team Roster signed by the Regional Commissioner (the “Team Roster”), shall be submitted to the Spring Cup Coordinator according to the schedule posted on the Area 1C website. No roster form other than the eAYSO Team Roster shall be acceptable. Teams that have not submitted a roster to the Spring Cup Coordinator are not permitted on the field, and scheduled matches not played shall result in a forfeit. Team rosters should include:
region, program and division designation, team name and uniform colors, coach name, address, phone number(s) and email address, assistant coach name, address, phone number(s) and email address, each player’s name, jersey number, AYSO registration number, date of birth, address and phone number, signature of the Regional Commissioner of the region represented.
In the event the team roster does not conform to the above requirements; the Area Director or Spring Cup Coordinator shall determine team eligibility. In addition to the Team Roster the team must provide a roster of at least two Team Referees as described in Section 20(b) below. a) Roster Due Deadlines and Team Sizes – A Team Roster and Team Referee information shall be submitted by each Spring Cup Team authorized coach according to the schedule posted on the Area 1C website. Teams will be allowed to carry expanded rosters. The maximum roster size for Spring Cup Teams shall be per the following Table 1:
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Table 1 Spring Cup Maximum Team Rosters Division Max. No. of Players Under-10 11 Under-12 14 Under-14 16 Under-16 22 Under-19 22 b) Final Roster Due Date – A Final Team Roster and Team Referee information shall be submitted by each Spring Cup Team authorized coach by the Wednesday before the first match. c) Updated Roster Required for Adds and Drops – Whenever a player or players are dropped from or added to a team, a new Team Roster must be submitted to the Spring Cup Coordinator 48-hours prior to the next match scheduled for that team. If a team plays a new player who has not been added to the Team Roster 48-hours prior to any match in which he/she played, such player shall be deemed an ineligible player for all matches for which he/she was not on a Team Roster and any such matches shall be deemed forfeited by the team. No changes or additions to a Team Roster may be made after the dates shown below except in the case of a verifiable hardship approved by the Spring Cup Coordinator. Examples include player injury or players leaving a team such that a full team cannot be fielded. Player suspensions are not a valid hardship d) Coach Must Carry a Copy of Current Roster – Each coach must have a copy of the current Team Roster, signed by their Regional Commissioner, in the form on file with the Area, at every match. A referee at any match may ask the Coach to produce the Team Roster for clarification of ID Card and Lineup issues, and the coach should provide a copy of the Team Roster to the referee upon such request. If the coach does not have the roster at the game to verify the ID Card issue, the player in question is ineligible for that game. 11. Picture ID Card Requirements – Each coach, assistant coach and player on any Spring Cup Team must have a current, AYSO-issued, laminated picture ID card at all scheduled matches. The picture ID card shall include all of the following : The individual’s name, AYSO registration number Date of birth Gender Region number Division A recent and recognizable picture with head size approximately 1-inch tall Wet signature of the Regional Commissioner for the region that the team represents Picture ID cards MUST be laminated. The Spring Cup Coordinator will establish a method for quality control of ID cards and improper or illegible ID cards may be rejected by the Area. 12. Player Registration Forms – For each player on their team, coaches must have in their possession at all times a player registration form with an original (“wet ink” or e-signature) parent/legal guardian signature or player’s signature if player is of legal age. If registration forms are not present at the field, only those players of legal age or those with a parent or legal guardian present at the field will be allowed to play. 13. Host Region and Referee Host Region – The region that furnished the field to the Spring Cup shall be the “Host Region”. The Area Referee Administrator may designate a “Referee Host Region” to assign referees for certain fields to assure that all regions fairly share the refereeing duties under Section 20 of these rules. If no designation of a Referee Host Region is made, the Host Region will be the Referee Host Region.
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14. Home Team/Match Balls/Sides of Field – The team listed first on the schedule shall be designated the Home Team, regardless of which team, if any, represents the Host Region for that field. The Home Team shall be responsible for supplying two (2) match balls and the Visiting team shall supply one (1) match ball. Unless otherwise approved by the referee, the Home Team shall occupy the North or West side of the field and the Away Team shall occupy the South or East side of the field. All players, spectators, coaches and others associated with a team must remain on that team’s designated side of the field between the penalty areas and at least one meter back from the touch line. On fields with grandstands on one side of the field only, all spectators shall occupy those grandstands. In no event shall any person remain behind the goal line. 15. Uniforms – Uniforms, including goalkeeper’s jerseys, must meet AYSO uniform guidelines. All players on each team must wear the same uniform as issued by the Region in which they are registered. Each goalkeeper must wear colors which distinguish him/her from the other players (both teams) and referees. It is the Home team’s responsibility to change uniform shirts or wear vests if, in the sole opinion of the referee, there is a conflict with uniforms. All coaches are responsible for having in their possession an alternate uniform top or vests in case of a uniform color conflict. In addition, each coach is responsible for having an alternate goalkeeper jersey or vest available in case of a color conflict. 16. Field Responsibility – Both teams shall be responsible for helping set up nets, goals and flags on a field when they have the first match of the day on that field. Both teams shall be responsible for taking down the nets, goals and flags and clean up the field area when they have the last match of the day on that field. Each team is responsible for cleaning up its touchline area after each match. Failure to help with field setup or takedown, or failure to clean up the touchlines and field area, may result in sanctions for the offending team, at the discretion of the Spring Cup Coordinator and Area Director. 17. Matches and Competition a) Rules – All matches shall be conducted in accordance with the current FIFA Laws of the Game and decisions by the International Football Association Board, as modified by any exception detailed in the AYSO National Rules and Regulations, Section 1 Rules and Regulations, Area 1C Rules and Regulations and these rules. b) Scheduled Matches – All scheduled matches must be played, unless canceled by the Spring Cup Coordinator. Failure of a team to play a scheduled match will result in a forfeit. In addition, failure to play a scheduled match may result in disciplinary action against the coach or team. Matches cannot be rescheduled by coaches; only the Spring Cup Coordinator may schedule or reschedule matches. c) Presentation of Lineup Cards – Prior to the start of each match, each team’s coach or assistant coach shall submit to the referee a fully completed lineup card printed on cardstock with the full name of all players on the team listed in jersey number order. All players on a team roster must be listed on each lineup card, even if a player will not be present at that particular match, with an indication of a reason for their absence (sick, injury, suspension, etc.). d) Presentation of Picture ID Cards– Prior to the start of each match, each team’s coach or assistant coach shall submit to the referee the picture ID cards of all players shown on the lineup card. The coach and assistant coach shall also submit their picture ID cards to the referee. All picture ID cards must comply with these Rules. The referee will check the players, coaches and assistant coaches against the ID cards, and the referee shall retain possession of all picture ID cards until the conclusion of the match. Unless specifically authorized and communicated to the referee by the Area Director, Spring Cup Coordinator, any player, coach or assistant coach who does not submit to the referee a picture ID card that complies with these Rules shall not be eligible to participate in that match and shall be considered a spectator for the duration of the match or until a valid ID is presented. NO EXCEPTIONS.
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e) Coach and Assistant Coach ID Cards – Only the coach and any assistant coaches with valid ID cards will be allowed to coach the match and be in the technical area. If and only if, there is no assistant coach on the roster, the team may have one additional person in the technical area who has an ID card that is clearly marked as “Not a Coach” in large print and contrasting colors. In the event both the coach and assistant coach of a team are suspended or absent, then only the Regional Commissioner, or his/her designee authorized in writing by the Regional Commissioner and approved by the Area Director or Spring Cup Coordinator using the Temporary Coach Authorization form provided on the Area website (ayso1c.org) shall be authorized to act as the team coach. A picture ID card is not required for the acting coach in this situation. Any person acting as the team coach of a team pursuant to a Temporary Coach Authorization must present the Temporary Coach Authorization in lieu of a picture ID card to the referee prior to the start of the match. Except as set forth in this section, if there is no authorized coach, there is NO MATCH, NO EXCEPTIONS. f)
Retrieval of Picture ID Cards/Retention by Referee – At the conclusion of each match, it is the coach’s responsibility to retrieve the team’s picture ID cards from the referee. The referee shall report the name of any coach or assistant coach who was expelled and of any players who were sent off per Section 20(f)(2) of these rules. ID cards are not retained and all ID cards are returned to the coach.
g) Number of Players – A scheduled match shall not begin or be continued if one or both teams cannot field the minimum number of eligible players per the following Table 2. Division Under-10 Under-12 Under-14 Under-16 Under-19
Table 2 – Number of Players on the Field Minimum Maximum 5 7 6 9 7 11 7 11 7 11
h) Match Duration – Pool Play and Finals matches will have durations per the following Table 3. Table 3 – Game Duration Pool Play
Finals
Division
Each Half not to exceed
Game not to exceed
Each Half not to exceed
Game not to exceed
Under-10 Under-12 Under-14 Under-16 Under-19
20 25 35 40 45
40 50 70 80 90
25 30 35 40 45
50 60 70 80 90
i)
Ten (10) Minute Grace Period – The referee shall allow a grace period of 10 minutes after the scheduled match time for players to arrive if and only if a team does not have the minimum number of players. When a team has the minimum number of players the referee should begin the match. If a team is not ready to play within 10 minutes after the scheduled match time, the referee shall not allow the match to begin. A forfeit may be declared and the offending team may be assessed a one (1) point deduction in the standings at the discretion of the Spring Cup Coordinator and Area Director.
j)
Matches Starting Late – Referees shall note the late start time of any match on the lineup card. Matches that begin late may be shortened by the referee, at his/her discretion, to keep the remaining schedule of matches for that field on time. The referee shall notify the coaches, prior to the start of the match, if it will be shortened and by how long it shall be shortened. 6 of 13
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k) Cancellation of Matches – The Area Director, Spring Cup Coordinator, or Regional Commissioner of the Host Region, shall have the authority to cancel or terminate matches if the circumstances so warrant. They shall also have the authority to terminate a match early due to weather, lighting conditions, field conditions or other similar reasons not otherwise provided in these Rules. Nothing in these Rules is intended to limit the authority of a referee to take action in accordance with the Laws of the Game applicable to AYSO matches or as otherwise provided herein. In the event a match is cancelled pursuant to this paragraph, it may be rescheduled, if feasible and practical, by the Area Director and Spring Cup Coordinator at their discretion. l)
Status of Shortened Matches – Any match that is ended after the end of the first half of play (referee’s whistle) due to weather, lighting conditions, field conditions, or other similar reasons not otherwise provided in these Rules, shall be considered a completed match and the score at the time of ending shall be the official match result. Any match that is ended before the end of the first half of play due to the above reasons shall be considered an abandoned match and the Spring Cup Coordinator will attempt to reschedule the match to be played in its entirety from the beginning. If the match cannot be rescheduled due to field availability, referee scheduling, or other reasons not related to team or player issues, the match will be deemed un-played and the abandoned match will not be counted in the standings.
m) Running Up the Score – While there is no official sanction for winning matches by lopsided margins, coaches are expected to adhere to the AYSO core philosophies, especially that of good sportsmanship. Coaches whose teams win by a margin of more than six goals in any one match should expect a communication from the Area Director to explain the circumstances surrounding the match. Repeated instances may subject the team and/or coach to sanctions at the discretion of the Area Director. n) Disposition of Lineup Cards – At the completion of the match, the referee shall complete the lineup cards per Section 19 and turn them in per the following: The Referee shall take a photo of both sides of both lineup cards and email it to [email protected] After the cards are completed and photographed, they shall be placed in an envelope provided by the Host Region and attached to a net on the field The lineup card envelope shall be collected at end of day by the Host Region and all lineup cards shall be retained by the Region Coordinator for the duration of tournament. o) Match Results Reporting – Each coach shall be responsible for reporting his/her team’s match scores (including Finals Matches). If there is an error in the match score or standings as posted on the Area website, any such error must be reported to the Spring Cup Coordinator within three days after the score for a match has been posted on the Area website. If the error is not reported within 3 days, the match score shall stand, and no adjustments will be made to the standings. 18. Substitutions – There is no free substitution in the Spring Cup. Coaches shall cooperate fully with the referees to quickly provide the names of substituted players at each substitution opportunity. Coaches are not to engage in significant coaching instruction during these substitution breaks. The following substitution procedures will apply except that an injured player may be substituted at any time with the referee’s permission. a) Under-10, Under-12, and Under-14 Matches – Substitutions will be by quarters. The referee will stop the match approximately midway through each half to allow for player substitutions. b) Under-16 and Under-19 Matches – Substitutions will be by eighths. Approximately every 10-minutes in Under-16 matches or every 11-minutes in Under-19 matches, the referee will stop the match at a stoppage of play to allow for player substitutions. Substitutes must be waiting at the halfway line before the referee stops the match for the substitution opportunity. 7 of 13
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Players must not enter the field of play until referee permission is granted. All substitutions will be monitored by the referee and will be entered on the lineup cards that were submitted to the referee prior to the start of the match. 19. Minimum Playing Time – Division Coordinators will monitor lineup cards submitted by the referee to verify that the following minimum playing times are adhered to. Injuries and absences must be clearly indicated on the lineup cards submitted by the referee. If any player on a team is present at the match and does not play the required minimum playing time in a match, then that team will forfeit the match. a) Players – Every player shall play at least one-half (1/2) of every match at which he/she is present. b) Goal Keepers – For Spring Cup play, Goalkeepers are not limited as to playing time in the goal. 20. Referees a) General – The diagonal system of control (3-referee system) shall be used in all matches without exception. Decisions of the referees are FINAL and shall not be grounds for any appeal or protest of any match. Each Regional Commissioner of any region participating in the Spring Cup shall be responsible for ensuring that all participating referees and assistant referees from that region have submitted current volunteer applications to the AYSO National office, have completed AYSO Safe Haven® certification, and have completed Concussion Awareness Training. b) Team Referees – Every team shall have a minimum of two Team Referees. One of the Team referees must be qualified to Referee a match in the division the team will be competing in. The second Team Referee must be qualified to be an Assistant Referee in the division the team will be competing in. For Team Referees, the Region shall submit the name, AYSO ID Number and AYSO Badge level of each team’s Team Referees to the Area Referee Administrator (ARA) no later than the same date as the rosters are due. The referee qualification for Referee and Assistant Referee will be based on the following Table 4: Division Under-10 Under-12 Under-14 Under-16 Under-19 1
Table 4 – Referee Minimum Badge Requirements Referee Assistant Referee Regional Regional Intermediate1 Regional Advanced1 Intermediate1 Advanced1 Advanced1 Advanced1 Advanced1
or upgrade candidate as defined below
In situations where a referee is working on upgrading their certification an upgrade Candidate may be used to qualify the team. “Candidate” means a registered volunteer who has taken the AYSO course and passed both the AYSO law examination and the physical test (if appropriate). No referee’s name may be submitted for more than one team. The Area Referee Administrator (ARA) shall determine if the submitted volunteers a) meet the program requirements and b) have volunteered sufficiently in the past to qualify as active referees. In special circumstances, the ARA, with Area Director concurrence, may approve specific exceptions to the guidelines c) Mandatory Referee Meeting – Prior to the start of the Area 1C Spring Cup, the Area Referee Administrator shall conduct a mandatory Referee Meeting (the “Mandatory Referee Meeting”). The Team Referees from each team participating in that Spring Cup must be present at such meeting. Attendance at the Mandatory Referee Meeting cannot be delegated to an individual who is not a Team Referee for that team without the express approval of the Area Director or 8 of 13
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the Area Referee Administrator. Any team that does not send its Team Referee(s) or other approved representative to the Mandatory Referee Meeting shall be considered to have a Missed Referee Assignment and may be subject to the sanctions described in Section 19 (e) below. d) Referee Scheduling and Assignments – the Spring Cup Coordinator and Area Referee Administrator shall develop protocols for assigning qualified referees to Spring Cup matches, subject to approval by the Area Director. Assignment will be on the field the team is playing and will typically be the match before or after the team is scheduled to play. The Team referees will be asked to provide one or two Team referees for the match. The Area Referee Administrator may designate some referee assignments as an Area Referee Assignment and either fill the assignment directly, or designate filling the assignment to a Regional Referee Administrator. e) Missed Referee Assignment Sanctions – Any team whose Team Referees miss a Referee or Assistant Referee assignment shall lose one point in the standings for the third Pool Play round. Furthermore, any team that accumulates three Missed Referee Assignments may be excluded from further participation in the tournament. Subject to the discretion of the Area Director and/or the Area Referee Administrator, a Missed Referee Assignment is defined as (1) Any match where the required number of Team Referees do not arrive on time to officiate the match. Note, if a team is responsible for two referee slots, both referees must arrive on time to avoid a Missed Assignment. “On time” is considered to be at least 10 minutes prior to the official start time of the match. (2) Missing a Mandatory Referee meeting. The two Team Referees must both attend the Mandatory Referee meeting to avoid a Missed Assignment. f)
Referee Reports (1) Scores and Routine Reports – Referees shall properly and completely fill out lineup cards with pertinent match information including, at a minimum, the final score, any player or coach misconduct, injuries, spectator misbehavior, ID card issues, and referee absences, etc. Lineup cards shall be handled per Section 16(n) of these Rules. At any time, the Area Referee Administrator may request a detailed match report covering any player misconduct, coach or spectator issues. (2) Misconduct Reports – Referees shall submit a written Misconduct Report, as provided on the Area website, in the event of (a) sendoff of any player; (b) expulsion of any coach or assistant coach; (c) conduct on the part of spectators interfering with the control of the match (including any dismissals of spectators); (d) abuse of substitution rules (teams not playing all players the required time under the rules for the applicable program); and/or (e) when specifically requested by the Area Referee Administrator. Any other noteworthy issues (e.g. match abandonment/termination, field unsuitability, etc.) should be reported by email to the Area Referee Administrator.
g) Referee Absences – If at least the scheduled referee is present at the beginning of the match but one or two scheduled assistant referees are not present, then the referee may use one or two standby referees or “club linesperson(s)” to officiate the match. If the scheduled referee is NOT present at the match, but at least one or two scheduled assistant referee(s) is/are present at the match, then one of the assistant referees may act as the referee for that match using one or two standby referees or “club linesperson(s)”. If the assistant referee(s) do not agree, then the match will not be played. For any match played without the scheduled referee, the score of the match and decisions of the referees are FINAL and shall not be grounds for any appeal or protest of any match. If no referee scheduled by the Area is present, then the match will not be played.
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h) Forfeits – Referees are not authorized to officiate any match that will likely be declared a forfeit due to ineligible players, insufficient number of players, lack of ID cards, lack of Authorized Coach, or any other reasons given in these Rules. 21. Conduct and Disciplinary Action a) Responsibility for Conduct – Area 1C maintains a Zero Tolerance policy for player, coach and spectator conduct toward the referee volunteers in our programs before during and after the match. "Zero Tolerance” generally means that any show of disrespect to a referee including but not limited to shouting disapproval of a referee's decision, continually questioning referee decisions, attempting to influence referee decisions, and/or making derisive comments to the referee - will cause the coach/spectator/player to be disciplined, including being expelled or sent off. Repeated behavior is not a requirement for sanction and a single incident may be sufficient. Each Regional Commissioner shall be held responsible for the conduct of all coaches of all teams from his/her region that participate in the Spring Cup. The primary responsibility for maintaining discipline and control of the players, coaches and spectators from a team lies with the coach. Players, coaches and spectators shall display positive aspects of good sportsmanship and conduct at all times, in keeping with AYSO philosophies. Coaches will be held accountable for the behavior of the players and spectators from their team. The Area Director shall have the right to remove coaches and assistant coaches of teams for violations of these Rules. b) Cautions (Yellow Cards, or Official Warnings to Coaches or Spectators). The Area will record and keep records of the number of yellow cards received by each team and each player. If any player accumulates three (3) yellow cards during Spring Cup then that player will be suspended from playing in the next match, and may be subject to further disciplinary action. This includes cautions issued to Under-10 players where a card is not shown. Two (2) yellow cards received in the same match (resulting in a Send Off in that match) do not count towards the above accumulation. c) Player Sendoffs (Red Cards). A player who is sent off (shown the red card) is disqualified from playing in the remainder of the match, and is ineligible to play in at least the next scheduled match. A player who is sent off two (2) times during the Spring Cup for violent conduct, serious foul play, and/or use of offensive, insulting or abusive language or action, shall be automatically suspended from further participation in the Spring Cup, and may be subject to additional disciplinary action. A player who is sent off two times in the tournament for other reasons will be subject to disciplinary review by the Area and the imposition of sanctions deemed appropriate under the circumstances. Players who have been sent off shall not be required to leave the vicinity of the field of play if there are safety concerns or other considerations, provided that the coach shall ensure that a player who has been sent off does not participate further in the match, by either word or action. This includes after match handshakes and departing the field. Players who are in any way disruptive in such a case may be subject to additional sanctions. d) Coach Expulsions. If the coach or assistant coach or any other coach acting as the authorized coach is expelled during a match, then the referee shall immediately terminate the match, and the other team shall win by forfeit with a score of 1-0. Any coach or assistant coach who is expelled may not coach and may not be present at or near the field for at least the next scheduled match, and may be subject to additional disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the Area Director. A coach who is expelled for a second time during a single season is subject to additional disciplinary action, including suspension from further participation in the season. e) Fighting, Spitting and Profanity. Players, coaches and teams who engage in fighting or spitting before, during or after a match shall be (1) sent off or expelled as appropriate, (2) disqualified from playing in any Area playoffs, (3) immediately suspended from further 10 of 13
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participation in the season (the length of such suspension subject to Area discretion), and (4) may be subject to additional disciplinary action including suspension from further participation in AYSO. Players who use profanity are subject to discipline under the Laws of the Game as determined by the referee. f)
Responsibility for Enforcement of Sanctions. The Area shall maintain official records of sanctions and penalties imposed on coaches and players. Regional Commissioners shall be responsible for ensuring that (1) all infractions regarding participants from their respective regions are accurately tracked; (2) the coaches from their respective regions are administering the appropriate sanctions; and (3) the appropriate sanctions are reported to the Area Director and Spring Cup Coordinator.
g) Other Behavior. Any player, coach or spectator who seeks another player, coach, spectator, referee or official for the purpose of taunting or fighting, or threatens the well-being of a player, coach, spectator, referee or official either before, during or after a match either on or in the vicinity of the playing fields or parking areas, including adjacent streets, will be suspended from participation in the remainder of the season, including playoffs, and may be subject to additional disciplinary action including suspension from further participation in AYSO. h) Ineligible Player Participation in a Match. If an ineligible player (as defined in Section 8(b) of these Rules) or coach participates or attempts to participate in a match for which he/she was suspended or otherwise ineligible, then that player’s or coach’s team shall forfeit the match and be subject to such additional discipline as deemed appropriate by the Area. Coaches shall uphold their responsibility to honor and impose all sanctions and enforce them. i)
Other Disciplinary Situations. The Area Director may impose appropriate disciplinary actions for any situations that he/she deems warrant them, even if such situations are not specifically addressed in these Rules.
22. Standings – Team Standings are kept on the Area 1C website. The Area shall periodically update standings on the Area website. Coaches are responsible for reporting errors to the Spring Cup Coordinator. a) Standings Points – Team standings in each division and/or pool shall be based on points earned by each team divided by the number of matches played including forfeits. A team shall be awarded three (3) points for a win, one (1) point for a tie and zero (0) points for a loss. No points shall be awarded for goal differential or shutouts. A team shall lose points in the Standings results of the third round of Pool Play for each of the following events: (1) Minus one point for failure to send a coach, assistant coach or other authorized representative to the Mandatory Coach’s Meeting held at the beginning of the program season. (2) Minus one point for each Missed Referee assignment, as defined in Section 20 of these rules. (3) Minus one point for any forfeit, including any forfeit of a scheduled match and any mutual forfeit by both teams. A forfeit shall be considered a 1-0 win for the opposing team. Mutual forfeits shall be considered a 0-0 tie. The Area Director and the Spring Cup Coordinator shall have authority to waive this point deduction in the event of unusual circumstances. (4) Minus one point for any player Send-off (red card) for Serious Foul Play, Violent Conduct, Spitting, or use of offensive, insulting or abusive language or action, whether before, during, or after any match. (5) Minus one point for any coach or assistant coach expelled, or any spectator dismissed from a match. If the authorized coach is expelled, this point deduction shall be in addition to the point deduction for the resultant forfeit. 11 of 13
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b) Standings Tiebreakers – In the case of a tie in the standings, the following tiebreakers shall be applied: (1) Head to Head competition results (2) Fewest number of goals allowed, prorated or averaged if the number of matches played by each team is not equal (3) Fewest number of accumulated red cards and/or coach expulsions (4) Fewest number of standings point deductions for any reason (5) Coin toss. 23. Finals – The tournament will schedule single elimination finals. In the event the finals are canceled and cannot be rescheduled the winner in each tier will be determined by the team standings and tier seeding for the Finals. a) Finals Overtime Procedures – No Finals Tournament match may end in a tie. In the event of a tie at the end of regulation time, the teams shall play two full overtime periods consisting of either 5-minutes each for Under-10, Under-12, and Under-14 Divisions or 10-minutes each for Under-16 and Under-19 Divisions. Both Overtime Periods shall be played to their conclusion and there shall be no "golden goal” or "sudden victory". If a team is playing short because of sendoffs, they will continue to play short during the overtime periods. b) Tournament Kicks From The Penalty Mark – In the event that the score is still tied at the conclusion of the overtime periods, the winner shall be determined by taking kicks from the penalty mark consistent with FIFA rules and regulations and the following procedure: The referee chooses the goal at which the kicks will be taken giving first consideration to the goalkeepers (i.e., position of the sun and/or condition of the goal area). A separate "shoot out" goal may be designated. If no other consideration exists, the referee tosses a coin to determine the goal to be used. Only players who are on the field of play or temporarily off the field of play (injury, adjusting equipment, etc.) at the end of the second overtime period are eligible to take kicks from the penalty mark. If, before or during the taking of kicks from the penalty mark, one team has a greater number of players than its opponents, it must reduce its numbers to equate with that of its opponents and inform the referee of the name and number of each player excluded. The team captain has this responsibility in consultation with the team coach. The referee tosses a coin and the team whose captain wins the toss decides whether to take the first or the second kick. Subject to the conditions explained below, both teams alternate in taking five kicks each. The referee is not told the five kickers or their sequence order in advance of the kicks from the penalty mark. If, before both teams have taken five kicks, one has scored more goals than the other could score, even if it were to complete its five kicks, no more kicks are taken. If, after both teams have taken five kicks, both have scored the same number of goals, or have not scored any goals, kicks continue to be taken in the same alternating order until one team has scored a goal more than the other team from the same number of kicks. Each kick is taken by a different player and all eligible players must take a kick before any player can take a second kick. It is not necessary for either team to maintain the same kicking sequence order during a second round of kicks or during any subsequent rounds. An eligible player may change places with the goalkeeper at any time when kicks from the penalty mark are being taken. A goalkeeper who is injured while kicks are being taken from the penalty mark and is unable to continue as goalkeeper may be replaced by any player on that team who will take the goalkeeper’s place in the team kicking rotation. The original goalkeeper may not return once he/she is replaced. 12 of 13
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Only the referee team, eligible players and one coach are permitted to remain on the field of play when kicks from the penalty mark are being taken. Players not participating in the taking of kicks, other coaches and spectators shall remain on their respective touch line “behind" the penalty area. All players, except the player taking the kick and the two goalkeepers, must remain within the center circle. The goalkeeper who is the teammate of the kicker must remain on the field of play, outside the penalty area in which the kicks are being taken, on the goal line where it meets the penalty area boundary line. If the referee determines the kicks cannot be completed due to safety factors (darkness, weather, etc.), he/she will utilize a coin toss to determine the winner of the game.
24. Weather and Field Conditions – If there is any question about whether a field is playable due to weather, or other environmental conditions, coaches and team members should check the Area website at www.ayso1c.org. 25. Protests a) No Protests of Any Referee Decisions – REFEREE DECISIONS ARE FINAL AND ARE NOT GROUNDS FOR PROTEST. b) Allowable Protests – Protests must be in writing and delivered to the Area Director within 48-hours after the conclusion of the protested match. The only protests that will be considered are for the suspected participation in a match by an ineligible player or coach, and/or for violation of AYSO rules and regulations. The Area Director shall have the authority to deny the request because it is not a permitted cause for protest and shall have the authority to determine what action, if any, is warranted under the circumstances. The Area Director may assign a Disciplinary Review Board, if deemed necessary. 26. Disciplinary Review Board – If deemed necessary by the Area Director, a Disciplinary Review Board (“Review Board”) may be appointed to hear a protest or take action with respect to any situation that arises with respect to any Spring Cup covered by these rules. The Review Board shall be composed of three (3) individuals selected by the Area Director, or selected by the Assistant Area Director, if the discipline was imposed at the discretion of the Area Director. The Review Board shall hear all appropriate protests and appeals, and shall make a recommendation to the Area Director, or the Assistant Area Director (if the appeal relates to discipline imposed by the Area Director), regarding the subject matter of the Review Board, including, for example, recommending confirmation of the action being protested, or the reduction or increase of any penalties or decisions being protested or appealed. 27. Fair Interpretation of Rules – These Rules have been developed to ensure that all Spring Cup matches are safe, fair and fun and that the AYSO philosophies carry through the Spring Cup. The Area message to all participants and spectators in these Rules is that misconduct, especially violent conduct, serious foul play, spitting, and offensive or insulting or abusive language and/or gestures WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. The Area Director, Spring Cup Coordinators and any Disciplinary Review Board shall interpret these Rules in a manner that is fair and consistent with AYSO rules and regulations.
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AYSO Area 1C Spring Cup Tournament Rules and Regulations 1.
Scope and Application of Rules – These AYSO Area 1C Rules and Regulations are for the Area 1C Spring Cup. The AYSO National Rules and Regulations and the AYSO Section 1 Rules and Regulations shall also apply to this program. The Tournament will be governed by the following rules of play and applied in the following order of precedence: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)
AYSO Area 1C Spring Cup Tournament Rules AYSO Area 1C Combined Program Rules AYSO Section 1 Rules and Regulations AYSO National Rules and Regulations FIFA Laws of the Game
Any discrepancy between or among such documents shall be subject to the interpretation and decision of the Area Director of Area 1C (the “Area Director”). The Area Director shall appoint an Area 1C Spring Cup program coordinator (the “Spring Cup Coordinator”). The “Kids Zone” program shall be in effect for all matches. 2.
Tournament Description – The Area 1C Spring Cup is a tournament style program for Under-10, Under-12, Under-14, Under-16, and Under-19 teams based on AYSO MY2016 ages. There will be three weekends of pool play and one weekend of finals. An additional weekend will be selected as a possible make-up, however re-scheduling of matches cancelled due to weather or field availability is at the discretion of the Area Director and the Spring Cup Coordinator.
3.
Pool Play – The tournament will form pools of 3, 4 or 5 teams in each division for each Pool Play weekend. Pools on the first Round will be formed by the Area Director and Spring Cup Coordinator. Pools for Round 2 and Round 3 will be formed based on a team’s standing in the most recent Pool Play Round and if needed, the teams overall standing. The goal is to have teams play other teams of similar skills in Pool Rounds 2 and 3, and in the Finals In the Under-10-Under-12 divisions, teams will play 3 or 4 matches each weekend. In Under-14, Under-16, and Under-19, teams will play 1 or 2 matches on each weekend The number of pools and number of teams in each pool is dependent on field availability and the number of teams that register for the tournament. The Spring Cup Coordinator or Area Director may alter pool size, number of matches and duration of play due to weather and/or field availability.
4.
Finals - The tournament will conclude with a round of finals. For the finals weekend, Pools will be formed for up to 4 tiers named as follows and consisting of 4 teams each. Each tier will award a champion.
Cup – the 4 top qualifying teams in that division Bowl – the second Tier of qualifying teams Plate – the third Tier of qualifying teams Shield – the fourth Tier of qualifying teams
The Spring Cup Coordinator will determine the number of finals tiers and number of teams in each tier. The finals will be single elimination, full length matches that must produce a winner. There will not be any consolation matches. Medals will be awarded to 1st and 2nd place teams in the Cup tier, and to the winner of the Bowl, Plate and Shield tiers.
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5.
Region Program Coordinators – Each Regional Commissioner shall appoint a Region Program Coordinator (the “Region Coordinator”) who shall coordinate the respective Spring Cup participation within that Region and act as liaison between the Region and the Spring Cup Coordinator. Additional duties are given below in these rules.
6.
Coach Eligibility – Each Regional Commissioner of any region participating in the Spring Cup shall be responsible for ensuring that all participating coaches and assistant coaches of all teams from that Region have submitted current volunteer applications to the AYSO National office, have completed AYSO Safe Haven® certification, have completed Concussion Awareness Training, and have completed the AYSO age–appropriate training for the team level they will coach. Exceptions to the following certification levels require the approval of the Area Director and Spring Cup Coordinator. (1) Under-10 Teams – U10 Coach Certification is required for Under-10 coaches (2) Under-12 Teams – U12 Coach Certification is required for Under-12 coaches (3) Under-14 Teams – Intermediate Coach Certification or higher is required for Under-14 coaches (4) Under-16 Teams – Advanced Coach certification or higher is required for Under-16 coaches (5) Under 19 Teams – Advanced Coach certification or higher is required for Under-19 coaches
7.
Mandatory Coach Meeting – Prior to the start of the Spring Cup season, the Spring Cup Coordinator shall conduct a mandatory Coaches Meeting (the “Mandatory Coaches Meeting”). The coach or assistant coach from each team participating in that Spring Cup must be present at such meeting. Attendance at the Mandatory Coaches Meeting cannot be delegated to an individual who is not a coach or assistant coach without the express approval of the Spring Cup Coordinator or the Area Director. Any team which does not send a coach, assistant coach or other approved representative to the Mandatory Coaches Meeting will receive a 1 point deduction applied to the standings results of the third round of Pool Play.
8.
Player Eligibility a) RC Responsibilities - Each Regional Commissioner is responsible for ensuring the eligibility of each player from his/her Region on each Spring Cup team. Each Regional Commissioner is responsible for ensuring that all players on his/her Region’s teams are properly registered with AYSO before they participate in any practice, team event or Spring Cup Matches. At the request of the Area Director, a player must produce a birth certificate or other proof of age acceptable to the Area Director to verify age eligibility for a given team. b) Definition – An “eligible” player for purposes of these Rules is any player who meets all of the following requirements. An “ineligible player” is any player who does not meet the definition of an “eligible player” for any given match. (1) is properly registered with AYSO (2) is listed on the most current team roster on file with the Area (3) is not currently suspended from playing due to disciplinary action as a result of a sendoff, accumulation of yellow cards or other sanctions imposed by the Area or these Rules (4) has a laminated player ID card at the match at team check in (5) In Under-14, Under-16 and Under-19 divisions, has signed a Player Agreement c) Player Agreement for U-14/U-16/U-19 Players – Each player participating in the Spring Cup on an Under-14, Under-16, or Under-19 team shall sign a Player Agreement, in the form provided on the Area website (ayso1c.org) as a condition of their eligibility to play. Completion 2 of 13
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of the Player Agreement evidences that the player understands these Rules and will play in a safe, fair and fun manner consistent with AYSO philosophies. The coach of each Under-14, Under-16, or Under-19 team shall maintain copies of the Player Agreements from players on his/her team and shall provide copies to the Area Director or Spring Cup Coordinator upon request. d) Eligibility for Play, Registration Cutoff Date –No player shall be eligible to play on any Spring Cup team if that player was not registered prior to the Wednesday before the first match. e) Forfeit of Matches Played with Ineligible Players – a team shall forfeit any match in which an ineligible player has participated or attempted to participate, and such team, ineligible player, and/or team coach may be subject to additional sanctions imposed by the Area Director as may be deemed appropriate under the circumstances. 9.
Team Formation – Teams must be rostered in an Area 1C Region and approved to participate by their Regional Commissioner. The tournament is “open” for AYSO Area 1C teams (Extra, All-Star, Tournament and Fall Core programs' teams may participate). Each team’s Regional authorization to participate is granted by submitting a signed Team Roster. There are no younger/older team formation requirements, but Regional Commissioners are allowed to set Regional participation requirements for teams from their Region, provided these do not waive any Tournament Rules or Area 1C Rules or Regulations. Only the Area Director may invite teams from outside Area 1C to participate. Regions are discouraged from having players play up in an older division. The goal of the tournament is to provide an opportunity for players to play in competitive matches. A Region Coordinator must request approval allow a player to play up a division. In the event of a request, approval is required by the Area Director or Spring Cup Coordinator. A team must provide Team Referees in accordance with Section 20(b) of these Rules, and teams that do not provide Team Referees meeting these requirements will not be eligible to participate.
10. Team Rosters – A Team Roster, in the form of an eAYSO Team Roster signed by the Regional Commissioner (the “Team Roster”), shall be submitted to the Spring Cup Coordinator according to the schedule posted on the Area 1C website. No roster form other than the eAYSO Team Roster shall be acceptable. Teams that have not submitted a roster to the Spring Cup Coordinator are not permitted on the field, and scheduled matches not played shall result in a forfeit. Team rosters should include:
region, program and division designation, team name and uniform colors, coach name, address, phone number(s) and email address, assistant coach name, address, phone number(s) and email address, each player’s name, jersey number, AYSO registration number, date of birth, address and phone number, signature of the Regional Commissioner of the region represented.
In the event the team roster does not conform to the above requirements; the Area Director or Spring Cup Coordinator shall determine team eligibility. In addition to the Team Roster the team must provide a roster of at least two Team Referees as described in Section 20(b) below. a) Roster Due Deadlines and Team Sizes – A Team Roster and Team Referee information shall be submitted by each Spring Cup Team authorized coach according to the schedule posted on the Area 1C website. Teams will be allowed to carry expanded rosters. The maximum roster size for Spring Cup Teams shall be per the following Table 1:
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Table 1 Spring Cup Maximum Team Rosters Division Max. No. of Players Under-10 11 Under-12 14 Under-14 16 Under-16 22 Under-19 22 b) Final Roster Due Date – A Final Team Roster and Team Referee information shall be submitted by each Spring Cup Team authorized coach by the Wednesday before the first match. c) Updated Roster Required for Adds and Drops – Whenever a player or players are dropped from or added to a team, a new Team Roster must be submitted to the Spring Cup Coordinator 48-hours prior to the next match scheduled for that team. If a team plays a new player who has not been added to the Team Roster 48-hours prior to any match in which he/she played, such player shall be deemed an ineligible player for all matches for which he/she was not on a Team Roster and any such matches shall be deemed forfeited by the team. No changes or additions to a Team Roster may be made after the dates shown below except in the case of a verifiable hardship approved by the Spring Cup Coordinator. Examples include player injury or players leaving a team such that a full team cannot be fielded. Player suspensions are not a valid hardship d) Coach Must Carry a Copy of Current Roster – Each coach must have a copy of the current Team Roster, signed by their Regional Commissioner, in the form on file with the Area, at every match. A referee at any match may ask the Coach to produce the Team Roster for clarification of ID Card and Lineup issues, and the coach should provide a copy of the Team Roster to the referee upon such request. If the coach does not have the roster at the game to verify the ID Card issue, the player in question is ineligible for that game. 11. Picture ID Card Requirements – Each coach, assistant coach and player on any Spring Cup Team must have a current, AYSO-issued, laminated picture ID card at all scheduled matches. The picture ID card shall include all of the following : The individual’s name, AYSO registration number Date of birth Gender Region number Division A recent and recognizable picture with head size approximately 1-inch tall Wet signature of the Regional Commissioner for the region that the team represents Picture ID cards MUST be laminated. The Spring Cup Coordinator will establish a method for quality control of ID cards and improper or illegible ID cards may be rejected by the Area. 12. Player Registration Forms – For each player on their team, coaches must have in their possession at all times a player registration form with an original (“wet ink” or e-signature) parent/legal guardian signature or player’s signature if player is of legal age. If registration forms are not present at the field, only those players of legal age or those with a parent or legal guardian present at the field will be allowed to play. 13. Host Region and Referee Host Region – The region that furnished the field to the Spring Cup shall be the “Host Region”. The Area Referee Administrator may designate a “Referee Host Region” to assign referees for certain fields to assure that all regions fairly share the refereeing duties under Section 20 of these rules. If no designation of a Referee Host Region is made, the Host Region will be the Referee Host Region.
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14. Home Team/Match Balls/Sides of Field – The team listed first on the schedule shall be designated the Home Team, regardless of which team, if any, represents the Host Region for that field. The Home Team shall be responsible for supplying two (2) match balls and the Visiting team shall supply one (1) match ball. Unless otherwise approved by the referee, the Home Team shall occupy the North or West side of the field and the Away Team shall occupy the South or East side of the field. All players, spectators, coaches and others associated with a team must remain on that team’s designated side of the field between the penalty areas and at least one meter back from the touch line. On fields with grandstands on one side of the field only, all spectators shall occupy those grandstands. In no event shall any person remain behind the goal line. 15. Uniforms – Uniforms, including goalkeeper’s jerseys, must meet AYSO uniform guidelines. All players on each team must wear the same uniform as issued by the Region in which they are registered. Each goalkeeper must wear colors which distinguish him/her from the other players (both teams) and referees. It is the Home team’s responsibility to change uniform shirts or wear vests if, in the sole opinion of the referee, there is a conflict with uniforms. All coaches are responsible for having in their possession an alternate uniform top or vests in case of a uniform color conflict. In addition, each coach is responsible for having an alternate goalkeeper jersey or vest available in case of a color conflict. 16. Field Responsibility – Both teams shall be responsible for helping set up nets, goals and flags on a field when they have the first match of the day on that field. Both teams shall be responsible for taking down the nets, goals and flags and clean up the field area when they have the last match of the day on that field. Each team is responsible for cleaning up its touchline area after each match. Failure to help with field setup or takedown, or failure to clean up the touchlines and field area, may result in sanctions for the offending team, at the discretion of the Spring Cup Coordinator and Area Director. 17. Matches and Competition a) Rules – All matches shall be conducted in accordance with the current FIFA Laws of the Game and decisions by the International Football Association Board, as modified by any exception detailed in the AYSO National Rules and Regulations, Section 1 Rules and Regulations, Area 1C Rules and Regulations and these rules. b) Scheduled Matches – All scheduled matches must be played, unless canceled by the Spring Cup Coordinator. Failure of a team to play a scheduled match will result in a forfeit. In addition, failure to play a scheduled match may result in disciplinary action against the coach or team. Matches cannot be rescheduled by coaches; only the Spring Cup Coordinator may schedule or reschedule matches. c) Presentation of Lineup Cards – Prior to the start of each match, each team’s coach or assistant coach shall submit to the referee a fully completed lineup card printed on cardstock with the full name of all players on the team listed in jersey number order. All players on a team roster must be listed on each lineup card, even if a player will not be present at that particular match, with an indication of a reason for their absence (sick, injury, suspension, etc.). d) Presentation of Picture ID Cards– Prior to the start of each match, each team’s coach or assistant coach shall submit to the referee the picture ID cards of all players shown on the lineup card. The coach and assistant coach shall also submit their picture ID cards to the referee. All picture ID cards must comply with these Rules. The referee will check the players, coaches and assistant coaches against the ID cards, and the referee shall retain possession of all picture ID cards until the conclusion of the match. Unless specifically authorized and communicated to the referee by the Area Director, Spring Cup Coordinator, any player, coach or assistant coach who does not submit to the referee a picture ID card that complies with these Rules shall not be eligible to participate in that match and shall be considered a spectator for the duration of the match or until a valid ID is presented. NO EXCEPTIONS.
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e) Coach and Assistant Coach ID Cards – Only the coach and any assistant coaches with valid ID cards will be allowed to coach the match and be in the technical area. If and only if, there is no assistant coach on the roster, the team may have one additional person in the technical area who has an ID card that is clearly marked as “Not a Coach” in large print and contrasting colors. In the event both the coach and assistant coach of a team are suspended or absent, then only the Regional Commissioner, or his/her designee authorized in writing by the Regional Commissioner and approved by the Area Director or Spring Cup Coordinator using the Temporary Coach Authorization form provided on the Area website (ayso1c.org) shall be authorized to act as the team coach. A picture ID card is not required for the acting coach in this situation. Any person acting as the team coach of a team pursuant to a Temporary Coach Authorization must present the Temporary Coach Authorization in lieu of a picture ID card to the referee prior to the start of the match. Except as set forth in this section, if there is no authorized coach, there is NO MATCH, NO EXCEPTIONS. f)
Retrieval of Picture ID Cards/Retention by Referee – At the conclusion of each match, it is the coach’s responsibility to retrieve the team’s picture ID cards from the referee. The referee shall report the name of any coach or assistant coach who was expelled and of any players who were sent off per Section 20(f)(2) of these rules. ID cards are not retained and all ID cards are returned to the coach.
g) Number of Players – A scheduled match shall not begin or be continued if one or both teams cannot field the minimum number of eligible players per the following Table 2. Division Under-10 Under-12 Under-14 Under-16 Under-19
Table 2 – Number of Players on the Field Minimum Maximum 5 7 6 9 7 11 7 11 7 11
h) Match Duration – Pool Play and Finals matches will have durations per the following Table 3. Table 3 – Game Duration Pool Play
Finals
Division
Each Half not to exceed
Game not to exceed
Each Half not to exceed
Game not to exceed
Under-10 Under-12 Under-14 Under-16 Under-19
20 25 35 40 45
40 50 70 80 90
25 30 35 40 45
50 60 70 80 90
i)
Ten (10) Minute Grace Period – The referee shall allow a grace period of 10 minutes after the scheduled match time for players to arrive if and only if a team does not have the minimum number of players. When a team has the minimum number of players the referee should begin the match. If a team is not ready to play within 10 minutes after the scheduled match time, the referee shall not allow the match to begin. A forfeit may be declared and the offending team may be assessed a one (1) point deduction in the standings at the discretion of the Spring Cup Coordinator and Area Director.
j)
Matches Starting Late – Referees shall note the late start time of any match on the lineup card. Matches that begin late may be shortened by the referee, at his/her discretion, to keep the remaining schedule of matches for that field on time. The referee shall notify the coaches, prior to the start of the match, if it will be shortened and by how long it shall be shortened. 6 of 13
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k) Cancellation of Matches – The Area Director, Spring Cup Coordinator, or Regional Commissioner of the Host Region, shall have the authority to cancel or terminate matches if the circumstances so warrant. They shall also have the authority to terminate a match early due to weather, lighting conditions, field conditions or other similar reasons not otherwise provided in these Rules. Nothing in these Rules is intended to limit the authority of a referee to take action in accordance with the Laws of the Game applicable to AYSO matches or as otherwise provided herein. In the event a match is cancelled pursuant to this paragraph, it may be rescheduled, if feasible and practical, by the Area Director and Spring Cup Coordinator at their discretion. l)
Status of Shortened Matches – Any match that is ended after the end of the first half of play (referee’s whistle) due to weather, lighting conditions, field conditions, or other similar reasons not otherwise provided in these Rules, shall be considered a completed match and the score at the time of ending shall be the official match result. Any match that is ended before the end of the first half of play due to the above reasons shall be considered an abandoned match and the Spring Cup Coordinator will attempt to reschedule the match to be played in its entirety from the beginning. If the match cannot be rescheduled due to field availability, referee scheduling, or other reasons not related to team or player issues, the match will be deemed un-played and the abandoned match will not be counted in the standings.
m) Running Up the Score – While there is no official sanction for winning matches by lopsided margins, coaches are expected to adhere to the AYSO core philosophies, especially that of good sportsmanship. Coaches whose teams win by a margin of more than six goals in any one match should expect a communication from the Area Director to explain the circumstances surrounding the match. Repeated instances may subject the team and/or coach to sanctions at the discretion of the Area Director. n) Disposition of Lineup Cards – At the completion of the match, the referee shall complete the lineup cards per Section 19 and turn them in per the following: The Referee shall take a photo of both sides of both lineup cards and email it to [email protected] After the cards are completed and photographed, they shall be placed in an envelope provided by the Host Region and attached to a net on the field The lineup card envelope shall be collected at end of day by the Host Region and all lineup cards shall be retained by the Region Coordinator for the duration of tournament. o) Match Results Reporting – Each coach shall be responsible for reporting his/her team’s match scores (including Finals Matches). If there is an error in the match score or standings as posted on the Area website, any such error must be reported to the Spring Cup Coordinator within three days after the score for a match has been posted on the Area website. If the error is not reported within 3 days, the match score shall stand, and no adjustments will be made to the standings. 18. Substitutions – There is no free substitution in the Spring Cup. Coaches shall cooperate fully with the referees to quickly provide the names of substituted players at each substitution opportunity. Coaches are not to engage in significant coaching instruction during these substitution breaks. The following substitution procedures will apply except that an injured player may be substituted at any time with the referee’s permission. a) Under-10, Under-12, and Under-14 Matches – Substitutions will be by quarters. The referee will stop the match approximately midway through each half to allow for player substitutions. b) Under-16 and Under-19 Matches – Substitutions will be by eighths. Approximately every 10-minutes in Under-16 matches or every 11-minutes in Under-19 matches, the referee will stop the match at a stoppage of play to allow for player substitutions. Substitutes must be waiting at the halfway line before the referee stops the match for the substitution opportunity. 7 of 13
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Players must not enter the field of play until referee permission is granted. All substitutions will be monitored by the referee and will be entered on the lineup cards that were submitted to the referee prior to the start of the match. 19. Minimum Playing Time – Division Coordinators will monitor lineup cards submitted by the referee to verify that the following minimum playing times are adhered to. Injuries and absences must be clearly indicated on the lineup cards submitted by the referee. If any player on a team is present at the match and does not play the required minimum playing time in a match, then that team will forfeit the match. a) Players – Every player shall play at least one-half (1/2) of every match at which he/she is present. b) Goal Keepers – For Spring Cup play, Goalkeepers are not limited as to playing time in the goal. 20. Referees a) General – The diagonal system of control (3-referee system) shall be used in all matches without exception. Decisions of the referees are FINAL and shall not be grounds for any appeal or protest of any match. Each Regional Commissioner of any region participating in the Spring Cup shall be responsible for ensuring that all participating referees and assistant referees from that region have submitted current volunteer applications to the AYSO National office, have completed AYSO Safe Haven® certification, and have completed Concussion Awareness Training. b) Team Referees – Every team shall have a minimum of two Team Referees. One of the Team referees must be qualified to Referee a match in the division the team will be competing in. The second Team Referee must be qualified to be an Assistant Referee in the division the team will be competing in. For Team Referees, the Region shall submit the name, AYSO ID Number and AYSO Badge level of each team’s Team Referees to the Area Referee Administrator (ARA) no later than the same date as the rosters are due. The referee qualification for Referee and Assistant Referee will be based on the following Table 4: Division Under-10 Under-12 Under-14 Under-16 Under-19 1
Table 4 – Referee Minimum Badge Requirements Referee Assistant Referee Regional Regional Intermediate1 Regional Advanced1 Intermediate1 Advanced1 Advanced1 Advanced1 Advanced1
or upgrade candidate as defined below
In situations where a referee is working on upgrading their certification an upgrade Candidate may be used to qualify the team. “Candidate” means a registered volunteer who has taken the AYSO course and passed both the AYSO law examination and the physical test (if appropriate). No referee’s name may be submitted for more than one team. The Area Referee Administrator (ARA) shall determine if the submitted volunteers a) meet the program requirements and b) have volunteered sufficiently in the past to qualify as active referees. In special circumstances, the ARA, with Area Director concurrence, may approve specific exceptions to the guidelines c) Mandatory Referee Meeting – Prior to the start of the Area 1C Spring Cup, the Area Referee Administrator shall conduct a mandatory Referee Meeting (the “Mandatory Referee Meeting”). The Team Referees from each team participating in that Spring Cup must be present at such meeting. Attendance at the Mandatory Referee Meeting cannot be delegated to an individual who is not a Team Referee for that team without the express approval of the Area Director or 8 of 13
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the Area Referee Administrator. Any team that does not send its Team Referee(s) or other approved representative to the Mandatory Referee Meeting shall be considered to have a Missed Referee Assignment and may be subject to the sanctions described in Section 19 (e) below. d) Referee Scheduling and Assignments – the Spring Cup Coordinator and Area Referee Administrator shall develop protocols for assigning qualified referees to Spring Cup matches, subject to approval by the Area Director. Assignment will be on the field the team is playing and will typically be the match before or after the team is scheduled to play. The Team referees will be asked to provide one or two Team referees for the match. The Area Referee Administrator may designate some referee assignments as an Area Referee Assignment and either fill the assignment directly, or designate filling the assignment to a Regional Referee Administrator. e) Missed Referee Assignment Sanctions – Any team whose Team Referees miss a Referee or Assistant Referee assignment shall lose one point in the standings for the third Pool Play round. Furthermore, any team that accumulates three Missed Referee Assignments may be excluded from further participation in the tournament. Subject to the discretion of the Area Director and/or the Area Referee Administrator, a Missed Referee Assignment is defined as (1) Any match where the required number of Team Referees do not arrive on time to officiate the match. Note, if a team is responsible for two referee slots, both referees must arrive on time to avoid a Missed Assignment. “On time” is considered to be at least 10 minutes prior to the official start time of the match. (2) Missing a Mandatory Referee meeting. The two Team Referees must both attend the Mandatory Referee meeting to avoid a Missed Assignment. f)
Referee Reports (1) Scores and Routine Reports – Referees shall properly and completely fill out lineup cards with pertinent match information including, at a minimum, the final score, any player or coach misconduct, injuries, spectator misbehavior, ID card issues, and referee absences, etc. Lineup cards shall be handled per Section 16(n) of these Rules. At any time, the Area Referee Administrator may request a detailed match report covering any player misconduct, coach or spectator issues. (2) Misconduct Reports – Referees shall submit a written Misconduct Report, as provided on the Area website, in the event of (a) sendoff of any player; (b) expulsion of any coach or assistant coach; (c) conduct on the part of spectators interfering with the control of the match (including any dismissals of spectators); (d) abuse of substitution rules (teams not playing all players the required time under the rules for the applicable program); and/or (e) when specifically requested by the Area Referee Administrator. Any other noteworthy issues (e.g. match abandonment/termination, field unsuitability, etc.) should be reported by email to the Area Referee Administrator.
g) Referee Absences – If at least the scheduled referee is present at the beginning of the match but one or two scheduled assistant referees are not present, then the referee may use one or two standby referees or “club linesperson(s)” to officiate the match. If the scheduled referee is NOT present at the match, but at least one or two scheduled assistant referee(s) is/are present at the match, then one of the assistant referees may act as the referee for that match using one or two standby referees or “club linesperson(s)”. If the assistant referee(s) do not agree, then the match will not be played. For any match played without the scheduled referee, the score of the match and decisions of the referees are FINAL and shall not be grounds for any appeal or protest of any match. If no referee scheduled by the Area is present, then the match will not be played.
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h) Forfeits – Referees are not authorized to officiate any match that will likely be declared a forfeit due to ineligible players, insufficient number of players, lack of ID cards, lack of Authorized Coach, or any other reasons given in these Rules. 21. Conduct and Disciplinary Action a) Responsibility for Conduct – Area 1C maintains a Zero Tolerance policy for player, coach and spectator conduct toward the referee volunteers in our programs before during and after the match. "Zero Tolerance” generally means that any show of disrespect to a referee including but not limited to shouting disapproval of a referee's decision, continually questioning referee decisions, attempting to influence referee decisions, and/or making derisive comments to the referee - will cause the coach/spectator/player to be disciplined, including being expelled or sent off. Repeated behavior is not a requirement for sanction and a single incident may be sufficient. Each Regional Commissioner shall be held responsible for the conduct of all coaches of all teams from his/her region that participate in the Spring Cup. The primary responsibility for maintaining discipline and control of the players, coaches and spectators from a team lies with the coach. Players, coaches and spectators shall display positive aspects of good sportsmanship and conduct at all times, in keeping with AYSO philosophies. Coaches will be held accountable for the behavior of the players and spectators from their team. The Area Director shall have the right to remove coaches and assistant coaches of teams for violations of these Rules. b) Cautions (Yellow Cards, or Official Warnings to Coaches or Spectators). The Area will record and keep records of the number of yellow cards received by each team and each player. If any player accumulates three (3) yellow cards during Spring Cup then that player will be suspended from playing in the next match, and may be subject to further disciplinary action. This includes cautions issued to Under-10 players where a card is not shown. Two (2) yellow cards received in the same match (resulting in a Send Off in that match) do not count towards the above accumulation. c) Player Sendoffs (Red Cards). A player who is sent off (shown the red card) is disqualified from playing in the remainder of the match, and is ineligible to play in at least the next scheduled match. A player who is sent off two (2) times during the Spring Cup for violent conduct, serious foul play, and/or use of offensive, insulting or abusive language or action, shall be automatically suspended from further participation in the Spring Cup, and may be subject to additional disciplinary action. A player who is sent off two times in the tournament for other reasons will be subject to disciplinary review by the Area and the imposition of sanctions deemed appropriate under the circumstances. Players who have been sent off shall not be required to leave the vicinity of the field of play if there are safety concerns or other considerations, provided that the coach shall ensure that a player who has been sent off does not participate further in the match, by either word or action. This includes after match handshakes and departing the field. Players who are in any way disruptive in such a case may be subject to additional sanctions. d) Coach Expulsions. If the coach or assistant coach or any other coach acting as the authorized coach is expelled during a match, then the referee shall immediately terminate the match, and the other team shall win by forfeit with a score of 1-0. Any coach or assistant coach who is expelled may not coach and may not be present at or near the field for at least the next scheduled match, and may be subject to additional disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the Area Director. A coach who is expelled for a second time during a single season is subject to additional disciplinary action, including suspension from further participation in the season. e) Fighting, Spitting and Profanity. Players, coaches and teams who engage in fighting or spitting before, during or after a match shall be (1) sent off or expelled as appropriate, (2) disqualified from playing in any Area playoffs, (3) immediately suspended from further 10 of 13
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participation in the season (the length of such suspension subject to Area discretion), and (4) may be subject to additional disciplinary action including suspension from further participation in AYSO. Players who use profanity are subject to discipline under the Laws of the Game as determined by the referee. f)
Responsibility for Enforcement of Sanctions. The Area shall maintain official records of sanctions and penalties imposed on coaches and players. Regional Commissioners shall be responsible for ensuring that (1) all infractions regarding participants from their respective regions are accurately tracked; (2) the coaches from their respective regions are administering the appropriate sanctions; and (3) the appropriate sanctions are reported to the Area Director and Spring Cup Coordinator.
g) Other Behavior. Any player, coach or spectator who seeks another player, coach, spectator, referee or official for the purpose of taunting or fighting, or threatens the well-being of a player, coach, spectator, referee or official either before, during or after a match either on or in the vicinity of the playing fields or parking areas, including adjacent streets, will be suspended from participation in the remainder of the season, including playoffs, and may be subject to additional disciplinary action including suspension from further participation in AYSO. h) Ineligible Player Participation in a Match. If an ineligible player (as defined in Section 8(b) of these Rules) or coach participates or attempts to participate in a match for which he/she was suspended or otherwise ineligible, then that player’s or coach’s team shall forfeit the match and be subject to such additional discipline as deemed appropriate by the Area. Coaches shall uphold their responsibility to honor and impose all sanctions and enforce them. i)
Other Disciplinary Situations. The Area Director may impose appropriate disciplinary actions for any situations that he/she deems warrant them, even if such situations are not specifically addressed in these Rules.
22. Standings – Team Standings are kept on the Area 1C website. The Area shall periodically update standings on the Area website. Coaches are responsible for reporting errors to the Spring Cup Coordinator. a) Standings Points – Team standings in each division and/or pool shall be based on points earned by each team divided by the number of matches played including forfeits. A team shall be awarded three (3) points for a win, one (1) point for a tie and zero (0) points for a loss. No points shall be awarded for goal differential or shutouts. A team shall lose points in the Standings results of the third round of Pool Play for each of the following events: (1) Minus one point for failure to send a coach, assistant coach or other authorized representative to the Mandatory Coach’s Meeting held at the beginning of the program season. (2) Minus one point for each Missed Referee assignment, as defined in Section 20 of these rules. (3) Minus one point for any forfeit, including any forfeit of a scheduled match and any mutual forfeit by both teams. A forfeit shall be considered a 1-0 win for the opposing team. Mutual forfeits shall be considered a 0-0 tie. The Area Director and the Spring Cup Coordinator shall have authority to waive this point deduction in the event of unusual circumstances. (4) Minus one point for any player Send-off (red card) for Serious Foul Play, Violent Conduct, Spitting, or use of offensive, insulting or abusive language or action, whether before, during, or after any match. (5) Minus one point for any coach or assistant coach expelled, or any spectator dismissed from a match. If the authorized coach is expelled, this point deduction shall be in addition to the point deduction for the resultant forfeit. 11 of 13
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b) Standings Tiebreakers – In the case of a tie in the standings, the following tiebreakers shall be applied: (1) Head to Head competition results (2) Fewest number of goals allowed, prorated or averaged if the number of matches played by each team is not equal (3) Fewest number of accumulated red cards and/or coach expulsions (4) Fewest number of standings point deductions for any reason (5) Coin toss. 23. Finals – The tournament will schedule single elimination finals. In the event the finals are canceled and cannot be rescheduled the winner in each tier will be determined by the team standings and tier seeding for the Finals. a) Finals Overtime Procedures – No Finals Tournament match may end in a tie. In the event of a tie at the end of regulation time, the teams shall play two full overtime periods consisting of either 5-minutes each for Under-10, Under-12, and Under-14 Divisions or 10-minutes each for Under-16 and Under-19 Divisions. Both Overtime Periods shall be played to their conclusion and there shall be no "golden goal” or "sudden victory". If a team is playing short because of sendoffs, they will continue to play short during the overtime periods. b) Tournament Kicks From The Penalty Mark – In the event that the score is still tied at the conclusion of the overtime periods, the winner shall be determined by taking kicks from the penalty mark consistent with FIFA rules and regulations and the following procedure: The referee chooses the goal at which the kicks will be taken giving first consideration to the goalkeepers (i.e., position of the sun and/or condition of the goal area). A separate "shoot out" goal may be designated. If no other consideration exists, the referee tosses a coin to determine the goal to be used. Only players who are on the field of play or temporarily off the field of play (injury, adjusting equipment, etc.) at the end of the second overtime period are eligible to take kicks from the penalty mark. If, before or during the taking of kicks from the penalty mark, one team has a greater number of players than its opponents, it must reduce its numbers to equate with that of its opponents and inform the referee of the name and number of each player excluded. The team captain has this responsibility in consultation with the team coach. The referee tosses a coin and the team whose captain wins the toss decides whether to take the first or the second kick. Subject to the conditions explained below, both teams alternate in taking five kicks each. The referee is not told the five kickers or their sequence order in advance of the kicks from the penalty mark. If, before both teams have taken five kicks, one has scored more goals than the other could score, even if it were to complete its five kicks, no more kicks are taken. If, after both teams have taken five kicks, both have scored the same number of goals, or have not scored any goals, kicks continue to be taken in the same alternating order until one team has scored a goal more than the other team from the same number of kicks. Each kick is taken by a different player and all eligible players must take a kick before any player can take a second kick. It is not necessary for either team to maintain the same kicking sequence order during a second round of kicks or during any subsequent rounds. An eligible player may change places with the goalkeeper at any time when kicks from the penalty mark are being taken. A goalkeeper who is injured while kicks are being taken from the penalty mark and is unable to continue as goalkeeper may be replaced by any player on that team who will take the goalkeeper’s place in the team kicking rotation. The original goalkeeper may not return once he/she is replaced. 12 of 13
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Only the referee team, eligible players and one coach are permitted to remain on the field of play when kicks from the penalty mark are being taken. Players not participating in the taking of kicks, other coaches and spectators shall remain on their respective touch line “behind" the penalty area. All players, except the player taking the kick and the two goalkeepers, must remain within the center circle. The goalkeeper who is the teammate of the kicker must remain on the field of play, outside the penalty area in which the kicks are being taken, on the goal line where it meets the penalty area boundary line. If the referee determines the kicks cannot be completed due to safety factors (darkness, weather, etc.), he/she will utilize a coin toss to determine the winner of the game.
24. Weather and Field Conditions – If there is any question about whether a field is playable due to weather, or other environmental conditions, coaches and team members should check the Area website at www.ayso1c.org. 25. Protests a) No Protests of Any Referee Decisions – REFEREE DECISIONS ARE FINAL AND ARE NOT GROUNDS FOR PROTEST. b) Allowable Protests – Protests must be in writing and delivered to the Area Director within 48-hours after the conclusion of the protested match. The only protests that will be considered are for the suspected participation in a match by an ineligible player or coach, and/or for violation of AYSO rules and regulations. The Area Director shall have the authority to deny the request because it is not a permitted cause for protest and shall have the authority to determine what action, if any, is warranted under the circumstances. The Area Director may assign a Disciplinary Review Board, if deemed necessary. 26. Disciplinary Review Board – If deemed necessary by the Area Director, a Disciplinary Review Board (“Review Board”) may be appointed to hear a protest or take action with respect to any situation that arises with respect to any Spring Cup covered by these rules. The Review Board shall be composed of three (3) individuals selected by the Area Director, or selected by the Assistant Area Director, if the discipline was imposed at the discretion of the Area Director. The Review Board shall hear all appropriate protests and appeals, and shall make a recommendation to the Area Director, or the Assistant Area Director (if the appeal relates to discipline imposed by the Area Director), regarding the subject matter of the Review Board, including, for example, recommending confirmation of the action being protested, or the reduction or increase of any penalties or decisions being protested or appealed. 27. Fair Interpretation of Rules – These Rules have been developed to ensure that all Spring Cup matches are safe, fair and fun and that the AYSO philosophies carry through the Spring Cup. The Area message to all participants and spectators in these Rules is that misconduct, especially violent conduct, serious foul play, spitting, and offensive or insulting or abusive language and/or gestures WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. The Area Director, Spring Cup Coordinators and any Disciplinary Review Board shall interpret these Rules in a manner that is fair and consistent with AYSO rules and regulations.
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